Thread: Ryco Engineering Transformers

Transformers are pretty basic. There isn't a whole lot that can go wrong with them. The cheaper ones when fully loaded will have a lot of voltage drop. If your Ryco transformer when fully loaded can still maintain strong voltage when fully loaded maybe you have something there.

I would be willing to bet a fully loaded Ryco transformer's 15 volt tap is really only worth 13 volts. Having only 13 volts max to work with really hinders your ability to engineer a medium to large lighting system. For me personally, I like using a transformer that has virtually no voltage drop when fully loaded. What that means is after I am done installing a system very rarely do I have to readjust the voltage taps.

I don't know if you guys have noticed a lot of voltage drop in the transformers you use when fully loaded? I definatly have noticed a BIG difference in transformers when it comes to maintaing voltage due to a load. That is why I stay away from the cheap transformers.
~Ned

kichler is where its at. I love their transformers. Installed around 200 this year and only had problems with 2 1200watt transfromers. They wouldnt turn off with a photoeye or timer after being installed for about a month or so they stayed constant on. The company garden light inc out of tampa has great deals on ss transformers with lifetime warranty. I dont use their fixtures but if i need a cheaper trans theyre a good call.

I have used Vista, Unique and Kichlers transformers. The only one that didn't drop voltage under load is Unique. For what I have used they are without a doubt the most solid. I really like the I-force. I don't like the extra 50 bucks I have to spend for it, but it sure is a dream to wire.

I have used Vista, Unique and Kichlers transformers. The only one that didn't drop voltage under load is Unique. For what I have used they are without a doubt the most solid. I really like the I-force. I don't like the extra 50 bucks I have to spend for it, but it sure is a dream to wire.

kichler is where its at. I love their transformers. Installed around 200 this year and only had problems with 2 1200watt transfromers. They wouldnt turn off with a photoeye or timer after being installed for about a month or so they stayed constant on. The company garden light inc out of tampa has great deals on ss transformers with lifetime warranty. I dont use their fixtures but if i need a cheaper trans theyre a good call.

p.s. loved reading this old thread

Garden Light probably buys the same transformer from the same manufacture as Kichler. I have used kichler transformers, and Garden Light transformers. They work, but they aren't as tight as Uniques. (It is my understanding Unique manufactures their own transformers) From my experience, Unique is the best when it comes to minimizing voltage drop, and it is very noticable.
~Ned

I've found FX to be rock solid as well, not dropping under load. The feed seems to also less likely to drop at the end of the run too. makes no sense, as wire drop should not be connected to trans feed, but I swear I get more wire drop from other trans.

Also, I have used the 15 volt tap and the unloaded that I saw was closer to 15.5, drop is around .5-.7 when fully loaded. I have one overloaded about 10% just to see if it will over heat, and the 13 volt tap dropped to 12.5. it has been running for about a year, and again, no major problems.

Also, I have used the 15 volt tap and the unloaded that I saw was closer to 15.5, drop is around .5-.7 when fully loaded. I have one overloaded about 10% just to see if it will over heat, and the 13 volt tap dropped to 12.5. it has been running for about a year, and again, no major problems.

David;
Was that the Ryco or the FX that you overloaded 10% ?...You know I like overloading specially with my VISTA Problem.

Most MDL based transformers (cast kichler gardenlight coppermoon etc) will have a good voltage drop when loaded up.

Tim is right. The uniques will hold rock solid as they should. The Transformers I use from Gambino lighting hold steady too.

I have never had a major problem with the MDL based transformers. They are a pain to wire up tho and I have had to replace 2 or 3 out of about 100. I have some MDL 600's out there that are loaded to around 550w and I am getting just over 13v out of the 15v taps.

Most MDL based transformers (cast kichler gardenlight coppermoon etc) will have a good voltage drop when loaded up.

So knowing this happens is it a problem or just something to keep in mind when using one of these transformers? If you don't load to max and leave available space for add-ons it should be fine correct?

What are the norm line voltage readings for you at the receptacle. Mine are always on the high side with 123 and above?

Thanks for all the props guys. As you all know Transformers are our bread and butter, thats how Unique started. We do not buy our units from someone else and put them in a can and call them ours. We control everything we do right here in house and can build custom units at will! Our units are wound tight, we use the best of materials, and you will see we have the best voltage tolerances out of any of our competitors. We have them all on the wall here and under no load and under load we are by far the best!

As a matter of fact we have a new H-Force (horizontal) unit getting ready to be released that will come in...get ready for this!.......1500watts and 1838watts! How you like that??? LOL There will be enough commons in the unit that each homerun you pull will get its own dedicated common and each common will have its own spade fuse so you can essentially secondary protect every run according to load!!! I cant wait until I can show you guys pics of this thing, it is insane!! Some of you that went to LightFair had the opportunity to see the prototype.